With the movie Jem And The Holograms (based on the 80’s television series) coming out Friday, we couldn’t help but catch up with its star – Aubrey Peeples – who stars as Jem in the movie and is no doubt a true up-and-comer. Let’s face it, we’ve loved Peeples since Nashville, and it turns out she has a penchant for Billie Holiday, African soap and a new Gibson guitar…

From start to finish, what would be your ideal food day?

For breakfast, probably some sort of smoothie or smoothie bowl with a bunch of vegetables blended in that I magically can’t taste at all. I normally make a smoothie bowl with lots of bananas and strawberries, a scoop of vegan protein powder, some spinach, and coconut or cashew milk as the base, topped with strawberry halves, chia seeds, shredded coconut, and some drizzled peanut butter. For lunch, some sort of vegan burrito bowl or salmon, couscous and veggies. For dinner, I’m a sucker for sushi and ramen. I try to do two meals a day vegan or vegetarian, but the main thing stopping me from making it to three is sushi. For snacks, I’ll do pumpkin seeds, apples, granola, or hummus. And for dessert, obviously chocolate cake. When it comes to dessert I tend to have no rules. Same with my Mom’s spaghetti.

There are many layers to that question, for me. Of course the series completely inspires the movie – and of course all the messages of empowerment and being okay with who you are inspire me personally – but what inspired me most about Jem was the process of shooting it. Working with Jon [M. Chu] and everyone on this project was such a collaborative and creative experience and it has been very special being surrounded by so much passion.

Something surprising about the movie we don’t already know…

The guy who plays Erica’s assistant, Justin Alastair, was an extra, but the director and writer (and everyone) loved him and decided to give him a part. They even let him ad lib and make up his own lines.

What’s your favorite part of being on Nashville?

As cheesy as it is, the music. Being on the show and in the city has taught me so much about music and through that, about myself. It’s such a special project to be a part of.

The best advice you’ve ever received…

That it’s okay to be sad; it’s just how you deal with it that matters.

The band you can’t stop listening to right now…

I really just listen to a lot of Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, Bonnie Raitt and Sam Cooke. I should have been born in another decade perhaps.